Ukraine PM Svyrydenko Says Corruption Problem Exaggerated, Defends Security Bureau Nominee Rejection

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has publicly downplayed the severity of corruption in Ukraine, stating that while most Ukrainians believe corruption is widespread, far fewer have experienced it personally, suggesting that the problem is exaggerated within Ukrainian society and certain social groups. She emphasized that external observers evaluate Ukraine's corruption using different standards and defended the government's decision to reject the IMF- and European Commission-backed candidate for the head of the Bureau of Economic Security, noting the Cabinet acted following established procedures. Despite her downplaying, polls indicate a significant portion of Ukrainians hold the government and anti-corruption institutions responsible for high corruption levels. Meanwhile, anti-corruption bodies report increasing convictions related to corruption, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the issue. Additionally, recent legislative actions have sparked controversy over potential threats to the independence of anti-corruption agencies. These statements come amid a broader context of political changes, including Svyrydenko's recent appointment as Prime Minister.